Russia’s Highest Civilian Award for PM Modi

The award comes days after the United Arab Emirates announced conferring Modi with ‘The Order of Zayed’.

The Russian Government said Modi is given the highest state decoration of Russia for “exceptional services” in promoting a special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between the Russian and Indian people.

The Order was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia.

The award can be given to the foreign heads of state for outstanding services.

The foreign awardees of the award include President of China Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Geydar Aliev.

The award ceremony is usually held at the St Andrew Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.